Friday, March 14, 2008

Friday Roundup/Gamenight: Thrash @ Caps

I've got some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first? The bad? You don't get a preview of tonight's game from me (I know, you're crying). But as this is the 43rd time the Caps have played Atlanta this season, you shouldn't need one (though here's a little nugget for you - Atlanta is 2-9-3 in the second game of back-to-backs, and they had a barn-burner with Calgary last night).

The good news? I've got an awesome Friday time waster for you - the Japers' Rink Eastern Conference Playoff Predictor, which I have shamelessly ripped off from Battle of Alberta. Think the Caps still have a shot at the playoffs? Think they're done? Not sure? Predict the rest of the season's games that matter and you'll find the answers to all of your questions. Note: it's an Excel doc, so when you click on the thumbnail below you'll be prompted to download a file (don't worry, I've been checked out - no viruses here), then open it, follow the directions and you're on your way.

So are you throwing down a deposit on playoff tickets or drowning your sorrows? Let us know how your top eight pans out in the comments, and keep The Predictor on your desktop, update it daily, feed and water it, etc. - it's yours now.

Ovechkin Watch:

Next goal: 57 - Most goals scored in a season since the lockout (breaking Jonathan Cheechoo's mark set in 2005-06); Most goals scored in his first three seasons in the League by a European-born player (breaking Pavel Bure's mark of 154)

1)Works great! Takes some time and other than "predicting" Thursday 3/13 games, its a dart throw2) Earlier this season we tried to predict games and just staying above .500 is super hard. Can't imagine trying to gamble money on NHL games especially when you have to give/take goals when one gambles3) Its hard enough trying to predict games on the same day taking into account recent trends. Like tonight you'd have to think the caps have the advantage playing home against the Thrashers who played last night and have sucked recently. Beyond a day or two, its just a very un-educated guess 4) Of course had to complete the form to see how it would turn out:1 Penguins2 Senators3 Devils4 Canadiens5 Hurricanes6 Rangers7 Capitals8 Flyers9 Bruins10 Maple Leafs11 Panthers12 Sabres13 Thrashers14 Islanders15 Lightning

I don't need no stinking chart (just joking) to know that if the Caps sweep these weekend games (incl. beating Boston in regulation)at the very worst they'll end up four points out of eighth and at the very best one point out. I'm still torn who I should root for in Saturday's Boston-Philly game, but it can't be a 3 point game. Needless to say this is a huge weekend.

Not to cause any problems, but for at least part of a preview for tonight: I was at the Wizards-Cavaliers game last night at Verizon Center. It was a full house, it was a late start (8 pm), and it was really really warm in there. Given that it's supposed to be close to 70 today, with another big crowd expected, the ice may be closer to slush than anyone hopes.

@ doubleas: I didn't have time to pull that together (maybe I'll do an updated version if I find the time), but thought the same - a column that automatically pulled together the teams' records the rest of the way would be sweet.

First of JP, thanks for this truly great Friday time-spender (waster sounds so...negative).

@b.orr4 ~ Based on my projections, root against Philly in a BIG way. If Philly tanks (assuming we win a lot), our chances are good for the 8th.

To anyone with the Caps winning the SE, or any higher than 8th...what are you smoking?

Here's my caveats based on my prediction of the Caps finishing 1 point ahead of Philly, one behind Boston, in the 8th seed:

*The Caps must go 8-2-1 or 9-2-0 *Either Boston or Philly need to play <= .500 hockey. *If either Boston or Philly really tanks, it will help too. *If Philly is even a game over .500 (and Boston plays at least .500 hockey), we’re done even going 8-2-0. *If Buffalo really comes on, it may not matter how we play.